In two cases, the state information commission has ordered that service books, with remarks, of government servants be provided to two applicants. The decision stands out as authorities are increasingly denying people information under the Right to Information Act.
The orders were passed on December 26 against the BMC and Mumbai Repair and Reconstruction Board on the applications of Rohan Sawant and Sandesh Waikar respectively.
Sawant wanted to access the service book along with adverse remarks, if any, of an assistant municipal commissioner. "Corruption cases seemed to be on the rise in the ward. There was already a news item where in an FIR had been registered against the officer along with others. I wanted to know how she managed to get a bigger ward despite police action," said Sawant.
A resident of Andheri (east), Sawant relied on the FIR that clinched the decision in his favour despite officials citing an earlier Supreme Court ruling, upholding a central information commission order that performance of an official was a matter between employer and employee and that such information cannot be sought as a matter of right.
Sion resident Waikar said he had sought to access the service book of a Mhada officer. "I've filed a PIL against some Mhada officers. With respect to this officer, he was removed from service for corruption. But they have brought him back." Waikar added that officials often treat apex court orders as blanket ban on sharing information.
In his order, state chief information commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad stated that public interest was met in both cases. The commission has ordered that information be provided to both the applicants by January 13 and if any information cannot be provided, a written justification be given to him.
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